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GARDEN CITY, NY – In so many ways, cancer
is an overwhelming disease; as much an emotional roller coaster as a
frightening physical process. Confusion is a natural by-product
of diagnosis. There is so much advice, so many options and such
a wave of emotions, it’s easy for a patient to get lost in the
process and essentially become a bystander in their own treatment.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
Nancy Dahm, an RN cancer specialist and author of Mind, Body & Soul:
A Guide to Living With Cancer, says it all boils down to education and
attitude. “Too often, cancer patients lose sight of the fact that
to a large degree, they can be in control of their own care,” says
Dahm. “Ignorance and lack of understanding breeds fear.”
Gleaned from her experience in caring for hundreds of cancer patients
and witnessing so many patients get swallowed up by the process, Dahm
has developed a type of ‘cheat sheet”– tips patients
can follow to cut through the maze and dramatically improve both their
attitude and care.
Some of Dahm’s suggestions include:
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Education! Patients need to quickly
become their own “cancer expert.” Study the literature
concerning the type of disease you have, and mobilize your own
network of friends and family to do online and offline research.
A few good starting points: the websites of Memorial Sloan
Kettering, American Cancer Society and the University of Pennsylvania.
Don’t settle for “general”
cancer care – Not all oncologists are the same, and chances
are good there is a physician specializing in your type of cancer.
Get timely treatment from the right specialists.
Be proactive
– Remember that you hold all the cards! Cancer is the
only disease in which the patient makes all treatment decisions.
Ask questions, and then ask more questions … and always get
a second opinion! Be your own best advocate.
Understand pain management – 90% of cancer-related pain can
be controlled! By understanding pain management rules you
can help ensure that your pain is kept to a minimum.
Keep your care options open – Home care can be a cost-effective
and viable alternative to hospitalization. Benefits include
reduced stress, quality family time and better living.
Give yourself an attitude adjustment – Remember: there
are 8 million cancer survivors! A cancer diagnosis should
not automatically make you believe you are going to die or have
limited life expectancy. New treatments and breakthroughs
occur all the time.
Remember that hope springs eternal – Don’t underestimate
the power of the human spirit.
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“Becoming passive about your care and removed from decision-making
only increases your anxiety,” notes Dahm. “Staying involved,
educated and informed makes you feel more in control, and better able
to rationally deal with your diagnosis.”
Nancy Hassett Dahm is a registered nurse specializing in cancer care
who has cared for over 400 cancer patients. She conducts many
programs and seminars on the care of cancer patients, and developed
a new model of pain management, “The Continuum of Pain, The Continuum
of Pain Control,” which she has effectively implemented to keep
most of her patients pain-free.
Mind, Body and Soul: A Guide to Living With Cancer is available
inbook stores, and online book retailers. For more information, visit
www.cancerbook.com
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